J Cardiovasc Surg
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Postoperative air leaks and pleural residual spaces are often encountered during partial lung resections and may adversely affect the immediate outcome prolonging the hospital stay. At present the only treatment consists of maintenance of the chest drainage under suction until resolution of the leaks. ⋯ The good results achieved suggest that this procedure might be considered for selected cases, being a minor procedure, performed under local anesthesia and with minimum discomfort for the patient.